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County opens 2020 with first wave of public engagement sessions

The County is asking ratepayers what they think about various topics
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County of Paintearth CAO Michael Simpson addresses the group of around 30 ratepayers participating in the public engagement session hosted in Halkirk on Jan. 15th. One of the many explanation posters the County did up for the event is visible on the wall behind him. Kevin J. Sabo photo

By Kevin J. Sabo

For the Advance

The first of three waves of public engagement between the County and the ratepayers kicked off on Jan. 12th.

In the first wave of sessions, the County is asking ratepayers what they think about various topics, such as the Municipal Development Plan, Land-Use Bylaw, and landowner versus resident rights.

One area that the County is particularly focusing on is a “best practice” list of do’s and don’ts for companies wanting to come and do business in the County.

“We want to hear from you,” said County of Paintearth CAO Michael Simpson.

“Tell us what you think.”

Touted as a, “Dog and pony show” by some, and 10 years too late by others, these voices seemed to be in the minority of the 30 people gathered in the Halkirk Community Hall on Jan. 15th.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said ratepayer Bernice Doan.

These engagement sessions began in Brownfield, where close to 60 attended.

It moved to Coronation on day two, where another 20 ratepayers were heard. Halkirk had 30 in attendance, and Castor is expected to be back around the 60-mark.

The first of three sessions in each community, the session featured a catered meal, and the opportunity for neighbours to speak with neighbours, and County representatives, and work out what residents would like to see in the new documents.

Once this round is complete, County administration will go through the data and start developing the documents. For ratepayers or residents of the County unable to make any of the in-person sessions in the various communities, the documents from the sessions are available online, and can be accessed and filled out until Jan. 31st.

In the second engagement session, to happen later in the spring, the County will bring back what they’ve heard to community members, who will then get a further opportunity to give input on the documents, at which point the County administration will go back to work on the documents.

The final engagement session will take place in the fall and be a chance for the County to present a draft of the documents, based on the feedback they’ve heard.

“We really want this to be the people’s document,” said County of Paintearth Community Services Director Todd Pawsey.